The University of Pittsburgh seeks to fill a number of NIH NINDS T32-funded postdoctoral positions for training in the Neurobiology of Neurological Disease. A primary goal of this training program is to provide a crucial clinical component to the education of postdoctoral fellows. A second major goal is to ensure that trainees are provided with mentored research training to create a pathway to independence.
This T32 program is administered by the Department of Neurobiology and directed by Dr. Peter Strick, PhD, but represents a community-wide training program that includes faculty from basic science and clinical departments throughout the University.

The application deadline is April 23, 2018.

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Goals

To foster understanding of the diseases and syndromes that are of high relevance to the research careers of our trainees.

To ensure that trainees are appropriately mentored in their research and that they acquire the professional skills necessary for independent careers in neuroscience.

To afford opportunities for innovative research.

To attract under-represented minorities to postdoctoral training in neuroscience.

To support training of "special cases" – individuals whose needs differ from those of the typical training fellow. These special cases may include individuals with computational backgrounds who now seek biological training, as well as young scientists who take on projects that require extended time and effort for completion.

Expectations

At the core of every postdoctoral experience is mentored research in an accomplished laboratory. Each trainee will have a primary research adviser as well as an individualized Research Advisory Committee.

A two-year course on the Neurobiology of Disease. The course actively involves academic clinicians and their patients to cover the full spectrum of diseases and syndromes that are of relevance to basic and translational neuroscientists.

Trainees are expected to participate in a series of Professional Development workshops, tailored to their specific needs. The professional development workshops will cover topics ranging from grant writing to exploring job opportunities and establishing a laboratory. Trainees will also be provided with the opportunity to take additional courses, as needed, to fill in gaps in their background.

Trainees will present their research in an annual T32 Retreat at the University of Pittsburgh.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to be nominated for support, applicants must 1) be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and 2) have a PhD or MD and be working in any area of relevance to the neurobiology of neurological diseases or neuropsychiatric disorders. Trainees must select a research mentor from one of the training program faculty. However, individuals can petition to work with another faculty member, and this request will be considered along with the rest of their application. In such instances, it is recommended that individuals first contact the Director or Co-Director of the training program for guidance. Trainees should be prepared to fulfill each of the requirements of the traineeship, a copy of which can be obtained from the administrator.

Criteria

The objective of this training program is to support and train students with exceptional promise. The criteria used in selection are: (a) evidence of creativity and motivation (as exhibited by information gathered in personal interviews, letters of recommendation, research experience, and written statements prepared by the applicant), (b) the suitability of the interests of the applicant to the training environment and proposed mentor, (c) the long-term objectives of the applicant, and (d) the appropriateness of the trainee’s background and plan of study to these objectives. In evaluating career objectives, the committee is open to both conventional and non-conventional proposals, including (but not limited to) employment in university and college research and teaching, industry, public and private research institutes, health professions, and administration.

Amount and Duration of Awards

Trainees will receive a stipend in accordance with the NIH NRSA scale, a travel allowance, and a monthly allowance for individual health insurance. Awards are initially made for one year. Successful applicants will be invited to apply for a second year of support after 9 months of initial support as long as (a) funds are available, (b) good progress has been made during the first year as evident by a research seminar, progress report, and recommendations from the Trainee Mentoring Subcommittee. Applications for a second year of support will be considered together with new applications.